Mueez Ajao
– Rodrygo scored a late goal set up by fellow substitute Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid won 1-0 at Inter Milan on Wednesday in their 2021-22 Champions League debut.
– A strong Inter start saw Thibaut Courtois save from Edin Dzeko and Milan Skriniar head over from a corner, before Madrid’s first attempt as Casemiro’s long-range effort flew wide. Courtois was called into action again to palm away Lautaro Martinez’s header, Eder Militao headed a great chance off target, Marcelo Brozovic shot past the post and Dzeko tested Courtois again before half-time.
– After the break, Courtois was busy again, clawing Stefan de Vrij’s header away, before Dani Carvajal tested Samir Handanovic and David Alaba cut out Denzel Dumfries’ dangerous cross. Karim Benzema went closest to scoring for Madrid before subs Camavinga and Rodrygo combined to steal all three points.
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– Thank goodness for Courtois. Four good saves here avoided this becoming really quite embarrassing for Real Madrid. For some time now, Courtois has been right up there with Benzema, Luka Modric and Casemiro in making up the all-important spine of this Real Madrid team. Here, he was the outstanding player, a wall that Inter just couldn’t find their way past.
– The impact of Rodrygo and Camavinga off the bench is hugely encouraging, especially that of the latter, whose darting run in behind and first-time assist were a delight. A point away from home against an impressive Inter would have been a pretty good result, but a win — especially given the balance of play and chances created — is an outstanding one.
– Inter have only a few days to recover from their late defeat in their next Serie A contest against Bologna at San Siro on Saturday. Madrid are on the road in their next outing against Valencia on Sunday.
